NCM 112: Communicable Disease Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is airborne transmission?

Transmission of pathogens in small airborne particles. (correct)

Transmission of pathogens through direct contact.

Transmission of pathogens via vector organisms.

Transmission of pathogens through contaminated surfaces.

What role does intact skin play in infection prevention?

It serves as a barrier to pathogens. (correct)

It actively destroys pathogens entering the body.

It enhances nutrient absorption for immune cells.

It increases susceptibility to infections.

Which of the following is an example of a pathogen transmitted via airborne transmission?

Norovirus

E. coli

Salmonella

Tuberculosis (correct)

What does phagocytosis refer to in terms of the immune response?

The engulfing and destroying of pathogens by cells. Signup and view all the answers

How can impaired host defenses affect susceptibility to infection?

They may lead to microbial invasion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common defense mechanism against infection?

Rapid absorption of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended protection method for healthcare personnel in environments with airborne pathogens?

Certified powered air purifying respirators (PAPR) Signup and view all the answers

Which physiological structure helps trap and eliminate pathogens inhaled through the nose?

Cilia and moist mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

What does a HEPA filter promote in a health care environment?

Positive-pressure airflow Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'sporadic' refer to in the context of disease occurrence?

Occurs infrequently and irregularly Signup and view all the answers

What is a nosocomial infection?

An infection acquired in a hospital Signup and view all the answers

What does an epidemic specifically describe?

An unexpected increase in disease cases Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of medical asepsis?

To confine a specific microorganism to a specific area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an endemic disease?

Hepatitis B in certain Asian cultures Signup and view all the answers

Which type of infection does not produce clinical evidence of disease?

Asymptomatic infection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an increase in disease occurrence that is clearly above the expected levels?

Epidemic Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of vectors in disease transmission?

They carry pathogens between hosts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a pathogen?

Any microorganism capable of producing disease Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a true pathogen?

It causes disease in healthy individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway does a microbe exit from an infected host commonly follow?

It exits through the portal of entry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between virulence and pathogenicity?

Virulence refers to the ability to cause disease, while pathogenicity refers to the severity and communicability of the disease Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes opportunistic pathogens?

Microorganisms that cause disease only under specific conditions Signup and view all the answers

What defines a communicable disease?

An infectious disease transmitted from person to person Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of asymptomatic infections indicate?

Some asymptomatic infections can cause significant health issues Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a pandemic from an epidemic?

A pandemic involves an exponential growth of cases in multiple countries. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a community-acquired infection?

It is present at admission with no prior hospitalizations in the same facility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following infections is caused by the actions or treatment of a healthcare provider?

Iatrogenic infection Signup and view all the answers

What is a major factor that makes controlling infectious diseases difficult?

Some bacteria develop a resistance to antibiotics. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an epidemic disease mentioned in the content?

COVID-19 Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for a World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of a pandemic?

There must be an exponential increase in cases over time. Signup and view all the answers

Why is hand hygiene emphasized in infection control?

It is a crucial aspect for all healthcare workers in contact with patients. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a result of a secondary condition caused by treatment?

Iatrogenic infection Signup and view all the answers

What protective gear is recommended to safeguard mucous membranes during procedures that may generate splashes?

Face shield and mask Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes droplet transmission?

Transmission through large particle droplets greater than 5 µm Signup and view all the answers

What type of antigen is associated with a longer-lasting immunity and often requires only a single dose?

Attenuated antigen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a type of contact transmission?

Direct transfer of bodily fluids from one person to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action to take when removing a mask?

Hold the ties and dispose of it Signup and view all the answers

How is active immunity typically acquired?

Receiving an injection of a vaccine Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms can be transmitted through the airborne route?

Tuberculosis and measles Signup and view all the answers

What kind of vaccine requires multiple doses and booster shots for long-lasting immunity?

Inactivated vaccine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medical Asepsis and Infection Types

Medical asepsis involves practices aimed at confining specific microorganisms to a limited area to reduce their growth and transmission.
Infection occurs when microorganisms invade body tissues, leading to their proliferation.
Asymptomatic or subclinical infections do not show clinical symptoms but can still cause significant damage, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in pregnant women.

Pathogens and Disease Mechanisms

Diseases can be communicable (transmitted person-to-person) or non-communicable (e.g., peritonitis).
Pathogens can be classified as "true" pathogens, which can infect healthy individuals, or opportunistic pathogens that only affect those with weakened defenses.
Pathogenicity refers to a microorganism's ability to produce disease, while virulence indicates the severity and damage caused during the infection process.

Airborne Transmission

Airborne transmission involves pathogens suspended in the air, capable of infection when inhaled by susceptible individuals.
Tuberculosis is an example of a disease spread through airborne transmission.
Special air handling and isolation practices, such as Airborne Infection Isolation Rooms (AIIR), are necessary to prevent the spread of airborne diseases.

Defense Mechanisms Against Infection

Strong host defenses can neutralize pathogens and prevent infection; these include:
- Intact skin and mucous membranes.
- Inflammatory responses and phagocytosis.
- The immune system's active roles.
- Physiological barriers like stomach acidity and urine flow.

Levels of Disease and Transmission Dynamics

Epidemiological studies assess current disease incidence to determine infection levels in healthcare facilities.
Definitions of disease occurrence:
- Sporadic diseases occur infrequently.
- Endemic diseases are consistently present in a region.
- Epidemics refer to sudden increases in disease cases.
- Pandemics indicate widespread epidemics across countries or continents.

Infection Types: Nosocomial vs. Community-Acquired

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections, arise during hospital stays and are not present at admission.
Community-acquired infections exist at the time of admission without prior hospitalization history.
Iatrogenic infections result from healthcare provider actions, often following medical or surgical interventions.

Infection Control and Prevention Strategies

Effective infection control involves adhering to guidelines set forth by health authorities like the CDC.
Key practices include:
- Hand hygiene immediately after patient contact.
- Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and eye protection, to safeguard against infection.
- Decoding transmission routes: airborne, droplet, and contact transmission.

Types of Immunity and Vaccination

Active immunity is achieved via vaccination or exposure to pathogens, while subclinical immunity results from constant exposure to specific diseases.
Types of antigens include:
- Inactivated (killed) organisms that require multiple doses for lasting immunity.
- Attenuated (live) organisms, which typically require a single dose for long-term immunity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the principles of medical asepsis, infection types, and the importance of surgical asepsis in limiting microorganisms. This quiz covers key concepts related to communicable diseases and their transmission.